The club has arranged for baseline concussion testing for all players. We are using the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing) system which is used by the NFL, NHL, and other professional sports organizations. Detailed information about the program is available by referencing the "Baseline Concussion Testing" document to the right.

The test is designed for players in sixth grade and up; however, players who are at least 10 years of age may elect to participate at the parent’s discretion.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD ATHLETES BE GIVEN A BASELINE

ImPACT suggests that athletes be tested every two years from 6th grade to senior year of high school. In college, athletes should only be tested once. At the professional level, each athlete should be tested once. ImPACT has normative data from age 10 to 59.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

The best summary of WHY this is important comes from the ImPACT website:

“Given the inherent difficulties in concussion management, it is important to manage concussions on an individualized basis and to implement baseline testing and/or post-injury neurocognitive testing. This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion. In fact, neurocognitive testing has recently been called the "cornerstone" of proper concussion management by an international panel of sports medicine experts.”